Unsplash
On October 14, 2026, NASA announced the latest research and test results for ‘SPEARS’ (Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space), a next-generation solid-state battery project designed to provide stable power despite the extreme temperature fluctuations of the lunar south pole. This research is part of NASA’s effort to secure core technologies for building sustainable human habitats on the lunar surface through the Artemis program.
Conventional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes, which face critical limitations such as freezing in sub-zero temperatures or evaporating in the vacuum of space. In contrast, SPEARS technology utilizes ceramic or polymer-based solid electrolytes, significantly improving resistance to environmental changes. This announcement marks a technical milestone that could drastically reduce the weight of space probes, rovers, and astronaut equipment.
The ‘SPEARS’ Project: Solid-State Batteries Surviving Lunar Cryogenic Temperatures
Led by the NASA Glenn Research Center, in collaboration with the Langley and Ames Research Centers, the SPEARS project is engineered to ensure that exploration equipment does not lose power in the extreme cold of the lunar south pole. Nighttime temperatures on the moon can drop to -200°C, which can destroy the ceramic separators or internal structures of conventional batteries and completely freeze gel or liquid electrolytes.
The core SPEARS research team aims to solve this by adopting a solid-state electrolyte structure that completely excludes liquid components. Solid electrolytes do not suffer from physical damage like expansion or container rupture due to freezing, even at cryogenic temperatures. Furthermore, they are highly safe, as there is minimal risk of internal materials evaporating or degrading even when exposed to the high temperatures of space (over 100°C).
The research team applied a flexible design that allows for the chemical composition of the anode and cathode materials to be freely adjusted. A key feature is the ability to customize power density and lifespan based on the intended use, from small wireless earbuds to drills, large rovers, and emergency power packs.
Proven Performance: Operation at -80°C and Survival at -170°C via Thermal Vacuum Testing
In recent thermal vacuum (TVAC) environmental testing conducted at NASA’s Langley Research Center, the SPEARS prototype coin-cell battery achieved notable results. The test confirmed that the battery cell maintained stable power output from 80°C down to -60°C, and remained functional even in the extreme cryogenic environment of -80°C, albeit with some performance limitations.
Notably, in a durability assessment where the battery was exposed to an extreme -170°C before being reheated, the device recovered normally without any internal or physical damage. While the nature of the solid electrolyte prevents direct discharge at -170°C, the battery can be immediately reused by using a small heater to bring it to a minimum operating temperature, without sustaining any damage.
These characteristics significantly reduce the weight of heavy, complex insulation and thermal management systems required for spacecraft and rovers. Since the battery does not need to be kept warm at all times and can instead be heated only when necessary, it reduces the overall load of exploration equipment and maximizes payload efficiency.
Technical Ripple Effects: Beyond Lunar Exploration to Winter EVs and Consumer Markets
This space-grade solid-state battery technology has high potential to provide immediate benefits to industries and daily life on Earth. Phenomena such as the sharp decrease in electric vehicle (EV) range during winter cold snaps, or the sudden power failure of smartphones and drones, are caused by the degradation and freezing of liquid electrolytes.
If the cold-resistant solid electrolyte composition verified through the SPEARS project is commercialized, it could dramatically improve the safety and efficiency of extreme-environment exploration gear, Arctic-region industrial drones, and winter EV batteries. Furthermore, as it eliminates the risk of fire or explosion associated with liquid electrolytes, it is considered a key factor in changing the landscape of the next-generation battery market.
As global battery and automotive manufacturers, including those in South Korea and Japan, actively pursue the commercialization of solid-state batteries, NASA’s independent research into cryogenic solid electrolytes is expected to serve as a significant milestone for future dual-use technology transfers and private sector collaboration.
Commercialization Status and Future Challenges
The SPEARS project is currently in the foundational research and technology development phase at NASA, with the Ames Research Center handling the development of advanced circuitry and substrates for space environment testing. As technology maturity increases, future plans include technology transfers and joint research with private aerospace companies and commercial battery manufacturers.
Challenges remain, however, such as further increasing ionic conductivity at cryogenic temperatures and establishing mass production technology that prevents interface degradation over hundreds of charge-discharge cycles. Since the batteries must withstand radiation and thermal shock in space for long periods, obtaining long-term empirical data is also essential.
Meanwhile, NASA announced a briefing schedule for October 14, 2026, to discuss the acceleration of its lunar exploration plan, reaffirming its commitment to executing the Artemis mission roadmap without setbacks. The advancement of battery technology capable of overcoming cryogenic temperatures is expected to serve as a crucial technical foundation for humanity’s journey beyond the Moon to Mars.
Official Sources
- NASA Center and Facility Announcement (October 14, 2026): NASA Develops Batteries to Power Humanity’s Return to Moon
- NASA Headquarters Media Briefing Info (October 14, 2026): NASA to Discuss Artemis Acceleration, Status of Upcoming Moon Missions